About Us

About Us

The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) is an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The Authority has a statutory responsibility for improving, managing and maintaining the three fishery harbours and harbour estates of Ardglass, Kilkeel, and Portavogie and for operating the facilities which are provided at these harbours.

The Authority was formed in 1973 under the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 and the Harbours Act (NI) 1970.

The Authority's mission is to facilitate sustainable wealth creation in the harbour areas for which it is responsible.

The Authority's aim is to fulfil its statutory duties by safely, efficiently and sustainably providing a range of facilities and services which meet the needs and aspirations of its key stakeholders.